Restraint deaths review after BBC investigation

A watchdog has announced a review of the way it deals with police contact deaths following a BBC investigation. BBC Radio 4’s File on 4 programme found that official figures understated the number of people who die after being restrained by police. The Independent Police Complaints Commission said the review would look at its approach to such cases.

Commons Home Affairs Committee chairman Keith Vaz said the BBC’s findings were concerning and called for an inquiry.

IPCC chief executive Jane Furniss said: “The IPCC is intending to carry out a review of its work in cases where Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights is engaged.

These are case where a death has occurred either during or after contact with the police. The review will look at the IPCC’s powers, resources and approach to dealing with these cases.”

Ms Furniss said the review would aim to identify any changes needed and improve public confidence, and would lead to recommendations in a report.

File on 4 discovered that anyone who dies following restraint without being formally arrested is excluded from death in custody figures. The findings were revealed in a joint investigation by the programme and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

About the author

Larry Fedja has been a volunteer with 4WardEver UK since it was set up. He assists with researching information and submitting them for inclusion on the website and other on-line resources developed by 4WardEver and its associate organisations.
4WardEver UK was launched in 2006 by Tippa Naphtali the cousin of Mikey Powell, who died in the custody of West Midlands police, Birmingham, UK in September 2003.